If you’ve ever wondered if I geek out over anything besides books, today you get your answer.

It’s a related topic, as it involves a form of communication. Language.

Mind you, I was not a particularly strong language student in school (though I could diagram a sentence pretty well). But I scored a measly 405 on the language side of the SAT (okay, so I also got a 405 on the math half). Yep, a whopping 810. Yikes!

But my love for language, or at least learning about it as an adult, dates back at least 20 years when I read a book by John McWhorter called Doing Our Own Thing.

I remember thinking to myself at the time, “I don’t personally know a single other person who would enjoy this book the way I have.” 🙂 Us language nerds are weird that way, I guess.

But if you’re anything like me—and I’m guessing you because you enjoy this show—you’re in for a real treat today. My guest is Valerie Fridland. She’s written a book called Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English.

Language change, Valerie argues, is natural, built into the language system itself, and we wouldn’t be who we are without it. Her book celebrates the dynamic, ongoing, and empowering evolution of language, and it will speak to anyone who talks, or listens, inspiring them to communicate dynamically and effectively in their daily lives.

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Valerie and her work. For a summary, just keep scrolling.

Join in on our chat below

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In today’s episode, I ask Valerie about:

• How our idea of what’s correct and what’s not, with regard to language, is often not even accurate in the first place
• What new research says about verbal tics like “um” and “uh.” 
• We’ll unpack the history of words like, well, “like” and “literally” (you’ll be surprised)
• And lots more!

Order Valerie’s Book

You can order your copy of Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English right now!

Consider Ordering My Book Too!

Purchase a copy of my new book (written with Jesse Wisnewski) Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career. There, you can also download the introduction and first chapter for free!

Note-Making Mastery Cohort or the Read to Lead Community

Get notified when I open up my next Note-Making Mastery Cohort for registration (space is limited)! Conversely, jump into our online community for free right now.

Books Recommended in This Episode

Doing Our Own Thing: The Degradation of Language and Music and Why We Should, Like, Care by John McWhorter

Change Your Voice, Change Your Life: A Quick, Simple Plan for Finding & Using Your Dynamic Voice by Dr. Morton Cooper

Check Out These Additional Resources

Grab a copy of Valerie’s book now.

Find out more about Valerie at her website.

Invite Valerie to speak at your next event.

Connect with Valerie personally on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Finally, thanks for listening and remember, “Leaders read and readers lead.”